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#67073 10/11/2006 9:05 PM | Joined: May 2004 Posts: 58 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2004 Posts: 58 | My Dad and I rebuilt and installed a 1954 235 six cylinder into our '50 3800. Are we going to experience fan/radiator clearance problems, and if so, any suggestions? Thanks in advance...Clint | | |
#67074 10/11/2006 9:47 PM | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | I dont think you will have a problem. The 55-2 up has a longer water pump & causes problems. Someone with more direct experience will chime in soon.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | |
#67075 10/11/2006 9:56 PM | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 324 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 324 | I have a 54 modle 235 in my 53 and it is not nessary to move the radiator forward. That engine has a short shaft water pump that allows the clearance for the fan. My radiator shroud was cut prior to me owining the truck and I had a heck of a time finding one that was not hacked up.
Hope this helps.
Tom | | |
#67076 10/11/2006 10:44 PM | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 | For what its worth I have a 1956 235" in my 49. The pump is long and the fan/radiator clearance is scary, possibly 3/16" at best. If I have to change a belt I am looking at a problem.
Having said that, the motor has been installed for over 10 years and (touch wood) so far so good. Make sure that your motor mounts are good. FYI I did replace my fan belt when I changed the seal in the timing cover, easy that way!
Bill | | |
#67077 10/12/2006 2:08 AM | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,317 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,317 | If you do experience clearance problems (as I did with my 56-235 in a 54 chassis) you might need to revert to the earlier style water pump with the correct diameter fixed pulley and an adaptor plate that centers the fan higher on the radiator and gives added clearance. I got my adaptor plate from pre68Dave on this site ($40) and the pump was from NAPA. 3/8 and 5/8 groove pumps were both available. Buying the pricey "short conversion pump" offered by some vendors positioned the pump too low, and there were clearance issues between the fan and the harmonic balancer. Aside from the fact that the short pump I purchased at a dear price didn't do the job, I can now replace the pump as/if needed from a local parts house.
The adaptor plate does require some DIY drilling and tapping on the front of the engine but it correctly positions the pump/fan. Just my $.03. | | |
#67078 10/12/2006 2:45 AM | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 | I have had two 235" engines. This one the 56, has a pump where the impeller goes into the block through a large diameter hole. The other, a 1953 vintage had a pump where the impeller was in the pump and there were two smaller diameter holes in the block for the water flow. This is the same as a 216 so it could be that my 235 was in a transition year as it had all the other signs of it being a 235.
Bill | | |
#67079 10/12/2006 6:05 AM | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | If it is a '54 235 it will fit with the stock pump. The '54 engine bay is the same length as the '50. | | |
#67080 10/13/2006 5:25 PM | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 | Whatever you do, do not butcher the rad mounting set up. | | |
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